Introduced in 1964 and built until 1982 as a student model, the Fender Mustang has also been used by a number of touring professionals, including Adrian Belew, Kurt Cobain, David Byrne, John Frusciante and of course the late Johnny Winter. Here we’re looking at a Fender Mustang in Sunburst finish, built during 1973 at the Fender Fullerton plant, almost halfway through the period of CBS ownership.
Student Guitar
The Fender Mustang appeared in late summer 1964 as an improved version of the Duo-Sonic, meaning that it had the Fender Dynamic Vibrato added. It came in three colours, for the US Flag – Red, White and Blue. As time went on, more colours became available. Though it was intended as a ‘Student’ level guitar, it found favour with a number of hot players, including the late great Johnny Winter, Adrian Belew, David Byrne and Kurt Cobain.
Appearing in 1964 as part of a revamp of Fender’s entry level line, the Fender Mustang Dakota Red was the lowest priced model that included a tremolo tailpiece. The Mustang was also available in Blue and White. In 1965, following the sale of Fender to CBS, the Mustang – along with other models – received some immediate rebranding. The serial number plate and the tuning machine casings were stamped with a letter F. On the Mustang, the headstock was also enlarged, a change also applied to the Stratocaster.
This instrument has sold
MORE →This Fender Mustang guitar is in good playing condition and sounds great. The original grey hard shell case is included, with some graffiti it has acquired over the years. The Mustang features a trem system using a rocking bridge and elevated string bar tailpiece, the springs being located under the chrome bridge plate. Overall, this design shares several elements of the Jazzmaster / Jaguar trem bridge.
This instrument has sold
MORE →This particular Fender Mustang dates to 1966 at the Fullerton California Fender plant, recently purchased by CBS and at the point where changes really started to show up. For example, the 1966 Mustang has a larger headstock, new decal, and F-stamped neck plate. The construction is typical Fender, with a Poplar or Mahogany body, Maple neck with bonded Rosewood fingerboard bolted on.
This instrument has sold
MORE →The Fender Bronco was built between 1967 and 1980 as a single pickup, 24 inch scale student guitar. It featured a slab alder body, maple neck with rosewood fingerboard, and a simple trem bridge. This example dates to around 1974 – it’s possibly a bit earlier – and is in largely original, and good, condition. The pickup has been changed, but other parts seem original. The finish, likely Fiesta Red is in quite good condition. This guitar has actually been played, as there is some wear to the end of the fingerboard and that’s usually from strumming with a pick. Fretwear is light to moderate. The original trem arm is long gone.
This instrument has sold
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